realistic

[ ree-uh-lis-tik ]

adjective

1. interested in, concerned with, or based on what is real or practical:

   a realistic estimate of costs; a realistic planner.

   Synonyms: common-sense, sensible, hardheaded, pragmatic

2. pertaining to, characterized by, or given to the representation in literature or art of things as they really are:

   a realistic novel.

3. resembling or simulating real life:

   a duck hunter skilled at making realistic decoys.

4. Philosophy. of or relating to realists or realism.

realistic

/ ˌrɪəˈlɪstɪk /

adjective

1. showing awareness and acceptance of reality
2. practical or pragmatic rather than ideal or moral
3. (of a book, film, etc) depicting or emphasizing what is real and actual rather than abstract or ideal
4. of or relating to philosophical realism

Derived Forms

• ˌrealˈistically, adverb

Other Words From

• real·isti·cal·ly adverb
• anti·real·istic adjective
• anti·real·isti·cal·ly adverb
• hyper·real·istic adjective
• nonre·al·istic adjective
• nonre·al·isti·cal·ly adverb
• over·real·istic adjective
• over·real·isti·cal·ly adverb
• prore·al·istic adjective
• pseudo·real·istic adjective
• quasi-real·istic adjective
• quasi-real·isti·cal·ly adverb
• semi·real·istic adjective
• semi·real·isti·cal·ly adverb
• ultra·real·istic adjective
• unre·al·istic adjective
• unre·al·isti·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of realistic¹

First recorded in 1855–60; realist + -ic

Example Sentences

They also remain in a decent position in the Champions League group stage - despite being thrashed by Sporting - but know they must regain their form quickly to stay realistic contenders on all fronts.

From BBC

But, the Dodgers might as well try nonetheless, since they possess the competitive track record and financial resources to be one of Soto’s few realistic landing spots this offseason.

From Los Angeles Times

The first was an age-old animation problem: creating realistic water.

From Los Angeles Times

Taking into account costs of development and other factors, the rezoning only increases the realistic capacity for new construction by about 30%, the study determined.

From Los Angeles Times

These range from "minimal", potentially including occasional mild violence or fear, to "restricted" - potentially containing more mature content such as strong violence, language or lots of realistic blood.

From BBC

Related Words

• businesslike
• down-to-earth
• practical
• pragmatic
• prudent
• rational
• real
• reasonable
• sane
• sensible
• sober